Korean educators visit Harper College

Three years after Harper College's Jill Izumikawa did research in Korea, the Palatine college hosted Korean educators last week as part of a Fulbright-fueled program focused on encouraging cross-cultural learning.

The group, which is on a two-week tour of Midwest colleges and universities, toured Harper's campus, learned about the college's facilities and programs, and met with student representatives.

Nearly 90 international students are enrolled at Harper, and more than one-third are from South Korea. As part of a 2010 Fulbright grant, Izumikawa, Harper's coordinator of International Student Services, toured 11 Korean universities and stopped at businesses, cultural sites and a local high school to get a feel for the culture and the country's higher education system.

"Engaging with professionals in a different country rejuvenated my passion for international education," says Izumikawa, who has worked in international education for three decades. "When I returned to Harper College, I saw the international students differently. I have reconnected with the work I do, and am finding new ways to support these students."